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 04/09/2007 06:01:31 AM · #1
call yourself a "Photographer"?

For example I think there is a vast difference between a Photographer, one who can ethically put hisher name on a card, and the hobbist/snapshotter/novice with an ego etc etc.

This not looking for trouble, just for your opinions.
 04/09/2007 06:09:58 AM · #2
i usually call myself the president of the united states,
but others only call me crayon.
point is, what you call yourself matters not to what others know you are.
 04/09/2007 06:33:12 AM · #3
A photographer is one who photographs, so pretty much everyone here can legitimately call themselves a photographer. What you're talking about is professional vs. amateur.

As far as "ethically" having a biz card that says photographer - anyone who wants to sell their services as a photographer can ethically do that. It's up to the person hiring to assess skill and quality.

My two cents. Of course, I'm not the president, so whaddo I know. :)
04/09/2007 06:41:44 AM · #4
I was wondering that myself only today. I do photo shoots and make money from them. I would call myself a photographer but I would call myself an amateur photographer. I am by no means professional. And when it comes to DPC I am definately a novice.
 04/09/2007 06:55:56 AM · #5
Main Entry: pho·tog·ra·pher
Pronunciation: f&-'tä-gr&-f&r
Function: noun
: one who practices photography; especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs

04/09/2007 07:15:04 AM · #6
I would classify a photographer as anyone who takes photography further than just taking simple snapshots while on holiday.
 04/09/2007 07:40:11 AM · #7
Over on ModelMayhem, they sometimes refer to the "less professional photographers" as MWC's .... Man With Camera.
04/09/2007 08:23:04 AM · #8
once you have spent more than $5,000 on lighting - THEN you're a photographer - not until
 04/09/2007 08:24:12 AM · #9
Originally posted by digitalknight:
once you have spent more than $5,000 on lighting - THEN you're a photographer - not until


i do hope you're joking.
 04/09/2007 08:27:47 AM · #10
Originally posted by dwterry:
Over on ModelMayhem, they sometimes refer to the "less professional photographers" as MWC's .... Man With Camera.


Or Guy With Camera (GWC).
 04/09/2007 08:35:01 AM · #11
Originally posted by Raziel:

Or Guy With Camera (GWC).


ambiguous .. i thought it was GirlWithCamera

04/09/2007 08:46:15 AM · #12
Honestly I consider myself a "Camera User" and not an artist. However a photographer does not have to be an artist. But some photographer's vision and or creativity amounts some of the work to art.

Im very proficient with technology and understand the inner workings of mechanical and electronic camera's. But even this understanding doesnt help me take a good photograph. Alot of people can take wonderful photographs and not know much about the camera itself except how to set the shutter speed, aperature, iso and go... for some even auto works okay.

But yeah i mean if someone asks... I take Photographs, im learning photography... im just a camera user.
 04/09/2007 08:52:11 AM · #13
Originally posted by digitalknight:
once you have spent more than $5,000 on lighting - THEN you're a photographer - not until


Heh Ansel Adams didnt pay for his lighting!
 04/09/2007 08:59:20 AM · #14
the first couple of times people asked "Are you a photographer ??"
i would say "no nonno .. just a hobby .."
last year I started answering "Yes" & at the same time pass a business card ;)
though always when inquired, I let people know that I don't do it full time ...
the average pay for a Visual Artist in Canada is less than 20K$ per year ...
;)
no i don't do weddings ...
04/09/2007 09:02:43 AM · #15
He did pay for his lighting, but it was mostly by shoe/ boot wear and muscles gained by lugging his gear around.

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
Originally posted by digitalknight:
once you have spent more than $5,000 on lighting - THEN you're a photographer - not until


Heh Ansel Adams didnt pay for his lighting!
04/09/2007 09:49:28 AM · #16
5K in lights can also = a GWCWL or MWCWL. LOL (lots of lights) : )
04/09/2007 10:15:15 AM · #17
It says "Outhouse Coordinator" on the address label of my subscription to Studio Photography.
Call yourself whatever you want.
 04/09/2007 11:10:26 AM · #18
The difference, imo, between a pro photog with a biz card, and an amateur photog with a biz card is if they are getting phone calls for bookings.

Photography, as in any art form, is subjective.

But, like a fireworks show, when people start to say "oohh, Ahhhh, amazing!!", that's when the photog knows they've got something.
04/09/2007 11:20:30 AM · #19
Originally posted by Gibun:
call yourself a "Photographer"?



So this would be the "am I a photographer challenge"?
What would the criteria be?

;)
 04/09/2007 11:23:28 AM · #20
Originally posted by Gibun:
call yourself a "Photographer"?...


When you don't have any other respectable job.
 04/09/2007 11:30:17 AM · #21
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by Gibun:
call yourself a "Photographer"?...

When you don't have any other respectable job.


Heh yeah when your starving and trying to sell photographs.
 04/09/2007 07:20:11 PM · #22
I'm with Art on this one. A photographer is simply 'one who photographs'

Since even a snapshot is technically a photograph, despite the fact that we use the word 'photograph' as a differential from snapshot, everyone that picks up a camera and snaps a picture is a photographer.

The difference you are trying to make is only in perception. It's when we decide that a title makes us different, or better, or 'above' someone else, that 'photographer' becomes something more. Then, it is only that because you wish to believe it. Cartier-Bresson is no more a 'photographer' than Grandma Johnson on Christmas Day. He is, however, one that takes the craft to much loftier heights.
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